Airplane paint jobs with character

By By AUBREY COHEN

Airlines like to throw some crazy paint at their planes sometimes. We gathered an array of some of those wild paint jobs here. Click through to see them all.

Airlines like to throw some crazy paint at their planes sometimes. We gathered an array of some of those wild paint jobs here. Click through to see them all.

Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

Airlines like to throw some crazy paint at their planes sometimes.... Photo-12646254.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines flies, had been seen in the U.S.

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from... Photo-11532711.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines flies, had been seen in the U.S.

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from... Photo-11532712.61886 - seattlepi.com

Image 4 of 52

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines flies, had been seen in the U.S.

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from... Photo-11532699.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines flies, had been seen in the U.S.

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from... Photo-11532708.61886 - seattlepi.com

Image 6 of 52

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines flies, had been seen in the U.S.

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from a visit to China aboard a new "Kung Fu Panda"-themed Boeing 787. It was the first time the plane, one of 14 Boeing 787s that Hainan Airlines

Almost 100 high school students from Tacoma returned Tuesday from... Photo-11532710.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Japan's ANA unveiled this "Star Wars"-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner on April 16, 2015 -- the day of the release of the second teaser trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The new livery is patterned after the lovable droid R2-D2, and the plane will begin making international flights this fall. less

Japan's ANA unveiled this "Star Wars"-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner on April 16, 2015 -- the day of the release of the second teaser trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The new livery is patterned after ... more

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy for a chartered flight from Los Angeles to the London premiere of the movie on a custom, one of a kind, specially themed R2-D2 ANA JET. Earlier at the premiere, stars posed for photos with a scale model of ANA's BB-8-themed ANA JET. ANA, Japan's largest airline, has designed three Star Wars-themed jets in celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The R2-D2 ANA JET is the first ever aircraft in the world to feature a Star Wars character on its exterior and is a product of an agreement between ANA and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. First unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, Calif. earlier this year, the R2-D2 ANA JET, a Boeing 787-9, started its regular flight in October and now flies to various destinations, including Europe, Asia, China and the U.S. December 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. less

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen ... more

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy for a chartered flight from Los Angeles to the London premiere of the movie on a custom, one of a kind, specially themed R2-D2 ANA JET. Earlier at the premiere, stars posed for photos with a scale model of ANA's BB-8-themed ANA JET. ANA, Japan's largest airline, has designed three Star Wars-themed jets in celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The R2-D2 ANA JET is the first ever aircraft in the world to feature a Star Wars character on its exterior and is a product of an agreement between ANA and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. First unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, Calif. earlier this year, the R2-D2 ANA JET, a Boeing 787-9, started its regular flight in October and now flies to various destinations, including Europe, Asia, China and the U.S. December 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. less

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen ... more

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy for a chartered flight from Los Angeles to the London premiere of the movie on a custom, one of a kind, specially themed R2-D2 ANA JET. Earlier at the premiere, stars posed for photos with a scale model of ANA's BB-8-themed ANA JET. ANA, Japan's largest airline, has designed three Star Wars-themed jets in celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The R2-D2 ANA JET is the first ever aircraft in the world to feature a Star Wars character on its exterior and is a product of an agreement between ANA and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. First unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, Calif. earlier this year, the R2-D2 ANA JET, a Boeing 787-9, started its regular flight in October and now flies to various destinations, including Europe, Asia, China and the U.S. December 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. less

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen ... more

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy for a chartered flight from Los Angeles to the London premiere of the movie on a custom, one of a kind, specially themed R2-D2 ANA JET. Earlier at the premiere, stars posed for photos with a scale model of ANA's BB-8-themed ANA JET. ANA, Japan's largest airline, has designed three Star Wars-themed jets in celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The R2-D2 ANA JET is the first ever aircraft in the world to feature a Star Wars character on its exterior and is a product of an agreement between ANA and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. First unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, Calif. earlier this year, the R2-D2 ANA JET, a Boeing 787-9, started its regular flight in October and now flies to various destinations, including Europe, Asia, China and the U.S. December 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. less

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen ... more

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy for a chartered flight from Los Angeles to the London premiere of the movie on a custom, one of a kind, specially themed R2-D2 ANA JET. Earlier at the premiere, stars posed for photos with a scale model of ANA's BB-8-themed ANA JET. ANA, Japan's largest airline, has designed three Star Wars-themed jets in celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The R2-D2 ANA JET is the first ever aircraft in the world to feature a Star Wars character on its exterior and is a product of an agreement between ANA and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. First unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, Calif. earlier this year, the R2-D2 ANA JET, a Boeing 787-9, started its regular flight in October and now flies to various destinations, including Europe, Asia, China and the U.S. December 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. less

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 15: Following the world premiere in Hollywood of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the film's stars were joined by J.J. Abrams and producer/Lucasfilm president Kathleen ... more

Earlier this year, German airline Condor rolled out this Boeing 767 decorated with characters from German children's book author Janosch. Janosch's little tiger, bear and "Tigerduck" draw attention to Condor's fundraising campaign for German relief agency BILD hilft e.V. -- A Heart for Children, which supports children in need in Germany and
other countries. less

Earlier this year, German airline Condor rolled out this Boeing 767 decorated with characters from German children's book author Janosch. Janosch's little tiger, bear and "Tigerduck" draw attention to Condor's ... more

In May 2013, Finnair Tuesday took the next step to "bring timeless yet modern Finnish design to the travel experience," announcing a design collaboration with "the iconic Finnish design and fashion house" Marimekko.

The collaboration included this Airbus 330 with a blue-forest livery
based on the Marimekko print Metsänväki ("forest dwellers"). less

In May 2013, Finnair Tuesday took the next step to "bring timeless yet modern Finnish design to the travel experience," announcing a design collaboration with "the iconic Finnish design and fashion house" ... more

Photo: Alaska Airlines

In May 2013, Finnair Tuesday took the next step to "bring... Photo-2079141.61886 - seattlepi.com

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This followed up on Finnair's Airbus 330 with a livery based on the Marimekko print Unikko ("poppy"), rolled out in October 2012.

This followed up on Finnair's Airbus 330 with a livery based on the Marimekko print Unikko ("poppy"), rolled out in October 2012.

Photo: Miranda Chrislock/Portland Timbers, Alaska Airlines

This followed up on Finnair's Airbus 330 with a livery based... Photo-2079140.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Finnair also started using and selling Marimekko-designed tableware, blankets, pillows and head rest covers.

Finnair also started using and selling Marimekko-designed tableware, blankets, pillows and head rest covers.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Finnair also started using and selling Marimekko-designed... Photo-2079142.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Artist Peter Max created the design for this Continental Airlines Boeing 777.

Artist Peter Max created the design for this Continental Airlines Boeing 777.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Artist Peter Max created the design for this Continental Airlines... Photo-4590612.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Alexander Calder went further, painting this Braniff jetliner himself in 1975.

Alexander Calder went further, painting this Braniff jetliner himself in 1975.

Japan exported baseball player Hideki Matsui to the New York Yankees. Japan Airline put Matsui on the side of this Boeing 747-400.

Japan exported baseball player Hideki Matsui to the New York Yankees. Japan Airline put Matsui on the side of this Boeing 747-400.

Photo: Wo St 01/Wikipedia

Japan exported baseball player Hideki Matsui to the New York... Photo-2079114.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Continuing the sports theme, Japan Airlines put 23 portraits of its national soccer team members on the side of this Boeing 747-400 ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Japan finished last in its group, with one draw and two losses. But the country's women's team won the 2011 Women's World Cup. less

Continuing the sports theme, Japan Airlines put 23 portraits of its national soccer team members on the side of this Boeing 747-400 ahead of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Japan finished last in its group, with one ... more

Air France was the official airline for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, in South Africa. This Airbus A340 bears an image of a South African player.

Air France was the official airline for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, in South Africa. This Airbus A340 bears an image of a South African player.

Photo: ED JONES, AFP/Getty Images

Air France was the official airline for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, in... Photo-2079078.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Air New Zealand has probably gone the furthest in tying itself to a national sports team. The airline sponsors the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and the All Blacks national team and plans by mid next year to have six aircraft featuring an all-black livery. Here, a new all-black Boeing 777 rolls out of a Boeing paint hangar on December 16, 2011 in Everett, Wash. less

Air New Zealand has probably gone the furthest in tying itself to a national sports team. The airline sponsors the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and the All Blacks national team and plans by mid next year to ... more

Photo: ED JONES, AFP/Getty Images

Air New Zealand has probably gone the furthest in tying itself to a... Photo-2079076.61886 - seattlepi.com

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All Blacks captain Richie McCaw poses with the Webb Ellis Trophy in front of an Air New Zealand A320 after the 2011 Rugby World Cup celebration parade.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw poses with the Webb Ellis Trophy in front of an Air New Zealand A320 after the 2011 Rugby World Cup celebration parade.

Leave it to Virgin Group Founder and President Richard Branson to take it to the next level. Virgin Atlantic Airways decorated this Boeing 747-400 with an image of burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, shown posing with Branson beside the plane in Las Vegas on June 15, 2010. less

Leave it to Virgin Group Founder and President Richard Branson to take it to the next level. Virgin Atlantic Airways decorated this Boeing 747-400 with an image of burlesque artist Dita Von Teese, shown posing ... more

Photo: Air New Zealand

Leave it to Virgin Group Founder and President Richard Branson to... Photo-2079122.61886 - seattlepi.com

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Prefer a more-classical form of entertainment? How about this Austrian Airlines Airbus A340, decorated with orchestral instruments and Austria's Vienna Philharmonic gold coin?

Prefer a more-classical form of entertainment? How about this Austrian Airlines Airbus A340, decorated with orchestral instruments and Austria's Vienna Philharmonic gold coin?

Photo: Phil Walter, Getty Images

Prefer a more-classical form of entertainment? How about this... Photo-2079069.61886 - seattlepi.com

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This shot focuses on golfer Mukesh Chand playing at Nadi Airport Golf Club, in Fiji, rather than the Air Pacific Boeing 747-400 preparing for takeoff beside the 15th green.

This shot focuses on golfer Mukesh Chand playing at Nadi Airport Golf Club, in Fiji, rather than the Air Pacific Boeing 747-400 preparing for takeoff beside the 15th green.